The foundation plaque for the Institute of Biomedicine and Enlarged Health of Shanxi University is unveiled, on Dec 1. [Photo/sxu.edu.cn]

The institute now identifies research on two major sectors, namely health product manufacturing and health services. 

The health product manufacturing sector includes three research directions -- new drug creation and re-evaluation of marketed drugs, medical devices and pharmaceutical materials R&D, as well as health-related product R&D. It aims to incubate basic research and applied basic research projects through the platforms of the institute and develop new drugs.

The health service sector includes two research directions -- construction of a comprehensive health care service system and research on the pathogenesis of regional major diseases and new intervention technologies. These aim to promote the integration of discipline resources and research personnel, as well as transform scientific and technological achievements into high-quality products and services.

To strengthen its research capabilities, the institute established an academic committee and a lead body at the foundation ceremony. Experts and scholars from Chinese Academy of Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College and SXU were appointed. 

Scholars and experts appointed by the Institute of Biomedicine and Enlarged Health of Shanxi University pose for a group photo, on Dec 1. [Photo/sxu.edu.cn]

In addition, SXU signed five project cooperation agreements with five pharmaceutical and food companies in Shanxi, involving total funds of 7.1 million yuan ($1.09 million). The projects involve the secondary development of traditional Chinese patent medicines, the quality improvement of traditional fermented food and R&D of related functional products, R&D of blood pressure-lowering vinegar powder, R&D of feed additives based on forsythia leaves, as well as the development and guidance of a comprehensive healthcare service system.